Smash EDO: RIP Mark Rivers

Anyone who has ever been involved with the campaign will be familiar with
Mark, who held the undisputed record in number of noise demo attended. He
had been involved with Smash EDO for over five years and was always
present at blockades, action camps, stalls and mass demos. Mark often
attended court in support at other activists' court cases. Barely a week
went by without Mark loudly challenging the arms dealers at EDO in some
way, shape or form.

Although Smash EDO was Mark's main focus, he frequently came out in
solidarity with other campaigns and causes. He was a regular at the
Cowley Club social centre and and took part in blockades against the Israeli agricultural exporter Agrexco. The day before he died he had attended the
Brighton demo against the criminalisation of squatting. He had planned to
attend the London student demonstration later this week.

Mark had been a trade union activist in his younger years. He worked as a
hospital porter and acted as a shop steward in many disputes.

Mark was a true original and his dedication to shut down EDO was second to
none. He was a great friend to many and will be sorely missed.

This week's noise demo at EDO will be cancelled with the suggestion that
anyone who is able to attend the student demo in London instead. A big
noise demo in Mark's honour will be announced shortly. A wake will be held
at the Cowley Club to celebrate Mark's life.